DOL aims for 1,000,000 active apprenticeships; secretary prioritizes industry partnerships and community colleges

Secretary Laurie Chavez de Reamer told the House Education and Labor Committee the Trump administration has set a target of 1,000,000 active registered apprenticeships and that the Department of Labor will use technical assistance, grants and industry outreach to reach the goal.

Why it matters: Lawmakers from both parties praised the apprenticeship goal as a pathway into high‑paying skilled jobs for people without four‑year degrees, and asked how the department will reduce bureaucracy, strengthen quality standards and coordinate with community colleges and employers.

What the secretary said: Chavez de Reamer said the department has added roughly 83,000 apprentices since January and described plans to streamline registration, work with private and public partners (including new apprenticeship programs for firefighters and law enforcement) and to direct at least 10% of the proposed Make America Skilled Again grant funding toward apprenticeships. She emphasized “earn while you learn” pathways and said the department will assist employers, unions and community colleges in program development and registration.

Member requests and details: Members asked what help the department would need from Congress; the secretary said she would provide technical assistance and requested supportive policy to reduce unnecessary red tape while maintaining quality and safety standards. Members also raised sector‑specific workforce needs (semiconductors, ship repair, maritime, health care) and urged targeted investments in those regions.

Ending: The secretary said she will continue her “America at Work” listening tour, coordinate with state partners and return to Congress with implementation details and technical assistance offers. Several members signaled readiness to work with the department on bipartisan legislation to expand apprenticeships and align community college programs with employer demand.